Eugene couple says clearing trees caused emotional distress

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – A west Eugene couple says a contracting company caused them extreme emotional distress by the killing of trees and potentially wildlife after the company, hired by the Bonneville Power Administration, cleared an easement on the couple’s property.

The Register-Guard reports Jerome Berryhill and Leslie Graymer made the allegations in a tort claim notice filed April 9 in Lane County Circuit Court.

The notice was filed against Franklin Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $350,000.

The document says the contracting company hired by Bonneville Power Administration to perform vegetation maintenance in the Bethel-Danebo area destroyed 64 plants.

The couple says the power administration didn’t have a right to remove or destroy the plants because the plants were not brush, timber, structures or fire hazards.

A message to Franklin Contracting Inc. wasn’t immediately returned. A spokesperson for Bonneville Power declined to comment on active litigation.